Is the GoPro 360 the Best Travel Camera? GoPro Max 2 Review
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, your social media has probably been bombarded by 360 camera footage. And while GoPro MAX was one of the first on the scene back in 2019, it’s been rather quiet as competition crept up… UNTIL NOW!
Introducing the long awaited GoPro MAX 2 along with my GoPro MAX 2 Review! The real question is, is it worth the wait?
As a OG GoPro 360 enthusiast (having won multi GoPro awards with it!) I am here to give you a brutally honest breakdown to help you figure out not only is it worth it but does GoPro MAX still come ahead as the Best Travel Camera.
Oh and I can’t forget about the sweet discount for your next GoPro Purchase…
What to expect from this GoPro MAX 2 Review
If you’re anything like me, you may not care or even comprehend what most of the professional technical details mean or how they are useful for you.
Despite being a Professional Travel Photographer for a decade, I have always focused more on the creative, go-with-the-flow side of photography and how effective my gear is for travel which is what I really want to breakdown for you here.
And hey, it’s what got me into the GoPro family in the first place so I must be doing something right – well that and a video of me being hit in the face with a tomato at La Tomatina...
Don’t get it twisted, that tomato may have got me the chance to test out the new 360 camera early but if anyone is going to be critical of a new MAX, it is me… along with my partner Jedd who is a total technical nerd so expect the best of both worlds in this review.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT SUMMARY:
- Comparision between the OG MAX and new GoPro MAX 2
- The no BS frustrations of setting up and figuring out a new camera
- What is the general user experience when you aren’t a techinical expert
- How to still set up like a pro even as a beginner
- Insider tips and trick to level up with GoPro game
- SWEET DISCOUNTS because who doesn’t love saving $$$
What is the GoPro MAX 2?
Many thought GoPro had given up on the 360 camera race after several competitors entered the market and poached many of the OG GoPro creators with it since its original release in 2019.
Alas, after many years of begging (mostly by me), GoPro have finally realesed its successor!
As impatient and frustrated I have been in its LONG lead up, one thing I greatly respect is that they have not rushed in in hopes of playing catch up. GoPro took the time they need to really improve their 360 capabilities to stand out from the rest.
Check out the GoPro website for the full 360 scoop
What is a 360 camera?
A 360 camera is a special camera system that stitches videos captured from its multiple lenses to showcase the entire scene around you. In doing so, offering a unique ‘invisible selfie stick’ effect as though someone else has recorded for you without actually needing that anyone else.
Later, giving you the flexibility to reframe for the scene and format for however and wherever you want. From wide shots, vertical clips for socials to playful effects like “tiny planet” and personal favourite, cursed face close ups.
For travelers, this means one small camera can tell the whole story of your adventure, no matter where the road takes you or who you take it with.
The difference between GoPro MAX 360 cameras vs GoPro HERO
Besides the obvious 360 camera differentiation, here is your basic breakdown between the two iconic GoPro cameras. With a little extra insight to help you narrow down what is right for you.
| Feature | GoPro MAX (360 Camera) | GoPro HERO (e.g. HERO13) |
|---|---|---|
| Lenses | Dual lenses to capture full 360° view. Each lens can still be used individually, similar to the HERO POV style | Single front-facing wide view lens with interchangable ND filters and specialty lens types |
| Field of View | Full sphere (360°) Reframe later, multiple perspectives from one clip. Switch between single lens options or 360 capture. | Wide, SuperView, Linear Point-and-shoot, ready-to-share footage |
| Max Video Resolution | True 8k | Up to 5.3K (60fps) |
| Photo Resolution | 29MP 360 photos | 27MP (single lens photos) |
| Stabilization | MAX HyperSmooth + Horizon Leveling (reframe later) | HyperSmooth 6.0 with horizon lock |
| Screens | Touchscreen | Touchscreen (rear), front screen for vlogging |
| Waterproof | Up to 5m (without housing) | Up to 10m (without housing) |
| Battery Life | 1960mAh Enduro battery | |
| Key Special Effects | Tiny Planet, Invisible Selfie Stick, Immersive POV, Adjustable Timewarp | TimeWarp, Night Lapse, Hindsight, Super Slowmo |
| Ease of Use | More intermediate reframing and editing required. Although updated QUIK app is making it easier than ever with expanding their MAX editing presets | Beginner friendly point-and-shoot simplicity. Both Easy Control settings and Pro editing flexibility. |
| Best For | Solo Travellers, couples or groups wanting to capture shots without the need of additional photographers. Perfect for travel creators, real eastate photographers and athletes for unique POV. | Adventurers, sports lovers, travelers, families who want quick action capture |
Ultimately, if you’re a traveler who wants to capture EVERYTHING all around you all without the worry of missing a moment, the GoPro MAX is unbeatable. With flexibility of reframing later, experimenting with creative perspectives, and essentially pack an entire film studio into your pocket.
On the other hand, if you prefer a simple, reliable, and ready to share straight away system, the GoPro HERO is your go-to. It delivers sharper single-lens video, incredible stabilization, and easier to manage footage ready to show off to your friends.
Or maybe you’re a travel creator like me who want its ALL! No judgement here.
GoPro MAX 2 specs
Pretty SPECtacular if you ask me haha
Okay Okay sorry, let me actually explain beyond the box…
Understanding the GoPro MAX specs
|
The Technical Breakdown |
GoPro MAX 2 for dummies |
|
MAX 2 Enduro Battery |
Bigger battery so you can capture more, for longer! |
|
True 8k 360 video |
Clearer footage, allowing you to crop 360 footage into both horizontal and vertical video seamlessly |
|
4k60 Single Lens Video |
High quality, standard video aspects (16:9) straight out of camera |
|
29MP 360 photos |
Detailed, higher quality 360 images |
|
Invisible Pole Shots |
Using the power of AI to remove the pole from all shots (pole shadows may still be visible though) |
|
Replaceable Glass Lenses |
A little rough on your gear? Not to worry – The lenses are easily replaceable (way better than having to purchase a new GoPro). Paired with the new design makes for a more durable camera overall. |
|
10-Bit Color in 8K |
More colour fidelity – none of those pesky lines running through your beautiful sunsets skies! But what I am most excited for is the new GP-Log with LUT which is essentially the ultimate edit set up to take your content to the next level. |
|
Waterproof 5m (16ft) |
Time to get creative underwater |
|
4K Reframe |
You can shoot in 360 to ensure you capture the moment from every angle, then reframe it in glorious high resolution for easy posting |
|
GPS |
Need to track locations where certain shots were taken, this can do that! |
|
Immersive 360 Audio |
With 6 in built microphones, you have directional audio that follows where you shoot, helping you capture the FULL story. |
|
Object Tracking with QUIK App |
Reframing and editing made simple. The program does the work for you now. |
|
8K 360Max TimeWarp |
Timelapses have never been better with higher quality, better colour and all new reframing possibilities in 360 mode! |
|
360 Slo-Mo at 4K 100fps |
Super Slo-Mo (4x) your 360 footage. |
|
Timecode Sync |
Link your footage to other GoPro cameras to easily match between clips during your edit. |
GoPro MAX vs GoPro MAX 2
Well now you know what the new GoPro MAX 2 have to offer but how does that compare to the original GoPro 360 camera.
To save you racking your brain over anymore techinical specs, in simple terms the new GoPro MAX 2 is:
- More durable with replacable lenses in case of damage (hallelujah)
- Has a longer battery life, and better performance in cold weather
- High quality cameras for both video and photo
- More flexible 360 settings both capture and edit
- Various mounting options: folding fingers, 1/4-20 Mounting Threads + Magnetic Latch Mount Compatible
- New Burst Photo, Night Photo and Interval Photo settings/capture
- 10% larger touchscreens
- Glove compatible buttons – made for the snow fanastics but great in general for my fellow shaky hands friends and stumpy finger squad.
- Customizable on-screen shortcuts with up to 10 adjustable preset settings for you to custom design or select
- Voice control with 13 commands in 11 languages + 6 accents
How tf does GoPro MAX 2 editing work?
Don’t worry if you first see you MAX footage and start having a breakdown that you screwed it up, the Reframe editing suite is bult to turn your random spherical footage into traditional fixed-frame videos and photos.
The Reframe suite of 360 editing tools in the Quik app now comes with more AU features for you to transform your footage within a few taps. With room to play with multiple Refrae modes in the same clip
Look I get it, if I hadn’t already been hyperfixated on the GoPro 360 random for years already, I also would have no clue what I am rambling about so let me break the new MAX editing range down in simpler terms:
|
The Technical Breakdown |
GoPro MAX 2 EDITING for dummies |
|
MotionFrame |
Use your phone as the direction for where you 360 video will reframe to as a standard video file output. |
|
POV |
You can lock in your view with a POV setting. This also allows you to select the length of video overal to bring your POV to life. |
|
AI-Powered Object Tracking |
Tap on subject within the QUIK app as the edit uses the power of AI to automatically keep whatever is selected as the star of the show for the entirety of the clip |
|
Keyframing |
The classic 360 editing format made for shifting the perspective throughout the clip by setting keyframes. the QUIK app will smooth out the transitions keyframe-to-keyframe. |
|
CameraFX |
New editing presets give you the option to automatically adjust your clip with pans, rotations, backflips, rolls and more with a single tap in the app |
|
Single Clip Edits |
Back to basics but better with filters, volume and color adjustments to single clips from 360 photos and vids |
|
Frame Grab Tool |
Snap high quality photos from individual frames from your 360 video |
|
Cloud Editing |
Gone are the days of a single MAX photoshoot taking up your entire phone storage just to edit a 15 second reel. Your footage can be uploaded directly to the cloud when charging where you can edit from there! |
GoPro MAX 2 Accesories – What do you really need for travel
GoPro are fanastic when it comes to their accessories with something for every camera and everyone. The GoPro MAX 2 is compatible with 35+ mounts PLUS accessories
Even when it comes to the MAX poles alone there are variations between light weight carbon-fibre, floaty sticks for water ativities and even extra long poles for the ultimate drone like POV. And with the MAX 2 comes the upgraded accesories for GoPro 360 range.
- 1.2m (4ft) Extension Pole – A classic
- 1m 40in Carbon Fibre Extension Pole NEW
- 2.7m (9ft) Extension Pole
- Carbon Fibre Extension Set
- 80cm (32in) Floating Extension Pole
Think of it like you’re at Hogwarts and need your wand – all you need is one. No need to overcomplicate it especially for general use.
With the option to get a little more creative and tailor to your needs with support accessories like the new Ski Pole Mount for Extension Poles (which I actually see a the perfect attachement for suitcases!) or Locking 1/4-20 Mounting Buckle to open a world of opportunities.
What makes the GoPro MAX different to other 360 cameras?
From a distance, all 360 cameras look the same, mostly because all you see if a giant pole running through a crowd but when it comes to a closer look, the GoPro MAX stands out as the world’s most durable 360 camera!
Starting with the biggest upgrade of all: True 8K which is 16-21% more resolution than the competition
You see, other brand tend to count redundant pixels in total output resolution to claim 8K where MAX2 doesn’t count the overlap or use AI to help fill the fuzzies, just the effective pixels.
No unusable black pixels are counted in the True 8K MAX 2 resolution.
Not to mention, Max HyperSmooth stabilisation well and truly makes a comeback as the best in the industry, delivering smooth, cinematic footage even during action-packed adventures.
PLUS, it features six built-in microphones for immersive 360 audio or directional sound, making it a powerful tool for travel vlogging without needing extra gear.
What really makes the MAX unique is its versatility. It’s not just a 360 camera — it can also shoot like a regular GoPro action cam, giving you two cameras in one. Add in GoPro’s seamless app editing tools and the invisible selfie stick effect, and you’ve got a camera that’s not only creative and immersive but also practical for real-world travel storytelling.
Who is the GoPro MAX camera ideal for?
GoPro 360 camera for Travel Creators
With an increased restriction on drone regulations around the world, one of the biggest bonuses of the GoPro Max 2 for travel creators is its drone-like ability to capture those unique selfies stick free perspectives without the need for the drone. The longer the pole, the more effective this drone alternate perspective is.
In saying that, it isn’t the only plus for travel creators. GoPro MAX 2 have stepped it up with easier than ever capture, reframe, edit and upload no matter the platform or format.
GoPro 360 cameras for regular travellers
If the ease and flexiblity of use hasn’t sold you yet, the GoPro MAX 2 compact system and lightweight set are are bound to get you across the line.
Let’s be real, the last thing you want to be stressing about on your holiday is heavy, expensive gear and with the MAX 2 being the most durable 360 camera yet (with interchangable lenses in case of damage) it is by far GoPros best travel camera.
GoPro 360 camera for Professional Photographers/Videographers
Get ready to mamxise your value and offerings with the new GoPro MAX 360. With high quality, longer battery life, flexible editing and new LUTS.
Most noteably, its new capbailities on real estate content is a game changer for the tourism industry just as much.
This is Emmy® Award-winning 360 video technology we are talking about here!
Why the GoPro MAX 2 is the perfect travel camera?
With the GoPro MAX 2 there is no need to beg someone to take your photos, hey there isn’t even the need for you to drag someone on your holiday at all for you to get next-level content to make all of your friends jealous.
You are your own photographer and the star of the show all in one with the most flexible camera in the world. To clarify, not gymnastics flexible, this camera is solid, standing out as the most durable 360 camera in the world!
It has never been easier to capture the full story on your travels from unique perspective to sound. And with its full kit lighter, more efficient and way less confusing to navigate, I am confident this is the ultimate travel camera no matter if you are a pro travel creator or an avid vacationer.
Practical Travel Tips for using the GoPro 360 cameras
Opt for the Easy Capture Modes: New on-camera POV and Selfie 360 modes are the easiestway to get GoPro’s world-famous, immersive videos
Utilise the Cloud Storage and Editing: The last thing you want to be dealing with on your holiday is a full phone. The QUIK Cloud systems lets you keep and edit your footage without taking up unecessary space. It always gives me peace of mind having it safe a secure there
Physical Back ups: This is tailored more towards travel creators and professional use but I can not stress enough how important it is to also store your footage on an external harddrive. Not only does this help clear your camera storage but it removes the stress of relying purely on your QUIK subscription.
Scheduled Capture: This might be my new favourite feature where you automatically set up any shot up to 24 hours in advance, even setting your preferred capture duration in any MAX camera mode. Party all night and still capture that sunrise timelapse without the need to fight the hangover to snap it up.
Get Creative and Weird: Looking for some posing inspo to take your MAX content to the MAX? I’ve got you covered with my 22 Unique Pose Ideas Guide
Klook.comPros and Cons of the GoPro MAX 2 for travel
Pros
✅ Even with the poles, the GoPro MAX 2 remains a lightweight camera system ideal for travel
✅ The GoPro MAX is like having 2-3 cameras in one. Unless you are a serious travel creator or athelete, you are not likely to need the GoPro HERO as well. The MAX 2 have it all in one with the added bonus on drone like footage.
✅ No need to bother someone else to take your travel pics, and unlike them, you get to reframe it exactly how you want afterwards, no more wonky snaps that miss the landmarks. Be your own photographer.
✅ Cloud editing with the GoPro Membership. Oh boy am I excited for this one.
✅ you can save 10% with code DONUTKLOOK on all GoPro.com purchase
Cons
❌ Unlike the GoPro HERO collection, you really need the pole accessories to make the most of the MAX 2. Taking up more weight room and sometimes limiting where you can take it. E.g some themeparks do not allow selfie sticks.
❌ A slower learning curve and editing process. While the MAX 2 comes with major upgrades to the editing software making it easier than ever for users to reframe their 360 footage, if you are completely new to the 360 world it is still quite overwhelming and will take some time and patience to master.
❌ The footage is going to eat up your phone storage is you don’t set up with the Cloud membership
Is the GoPro MAX2 worth it? My honest review as a Travel Creator
As mentioned, I was the GoPro MAX biggest fan for years but I must admit that the large files and time-sucking reframing took away my spark for it in recent times. Having found myself sticking more to the classic HERO range or simply my phone camera.
It took its sweet time but this launch of the GoPro MAX 2 has me SO BACK ON THE 360 TRAIN!
I too had doubts about if it would live up to the hype, or simply catch up to its competitiors that have been pumping out 360 cameras and sponsored posts about said cameras for the last couple of years.
Despite only having had the camera for a week so far, I am beyond impressed by the increased quality, usability and flexibility of its footage. Not to mention the upgraded pole range to match making it an ever lighter, simpler and more effective travel kit.
